mcconnell. >> it's now 2:00 p.m. and we've yet to receive a response to our good-faith offer. >> he indicated the differences were too wide and he indicate thad the white house might be tying their hands. >> i've had a number of conversations with the president and at this stage we're not able to make the counteroffer. >> so senator mcconnell called the vice president who he served with in the senate for 24 years. the two men spoke several times sunday. >> i want everyone to know i'm willing to get this done, but i need a dance partner. >> reporter: democrats want to let the bush-era tax cuts expire for all household income over $250,000. republicans would rather set the cut-off at around $500,000. the estate tax rate stands at 35%. it is set to revert to 55%. at this point, many members are just hoping their leaders can come up with something if only to show that congress is competent. >> i don't think anyone here is going to benefit from a calamity happening in this country's economy. >> reporter: any agreement, if